YOUR VIEW: Tough times can't distract from town's priorities

Tuesday

Mar 31, 2009 at 12:01 AM

There has been much talk in Dartmouth lately about the need for change and a new direction. As a member of the Finance Committee, I understand that the town has been going through a difficult financial time and that these problems will continue.

SHANNON JENKINS

There has been much talk in Dartmouth lately about the need for change and a new direction. As a member of the Finance Committee, I understand that the town has been going through a difficult financial time and that these problems will continue.

While we have made many difficult decisions, we still have more hard decisions to make about our town's future. In doing so, we need to continue to scrutinize town finances and operations to make sure we are as efficient as possible. During these tough times, though, we must be careful not to lose sight of what our priorities are. Investing in our future is important; however, we must remember to not only invest in our roads and buildings, but also in our children and our seniors. Keeping our roads clean is important, but so is providing for those in need.

We must remember to think critically about town operations, but act respectfully towards those who work for our town and our fellow community members, both when we agree and when we disagree.

As we face these difficult tasks, we must also think carefully about who we want to represent us in town government. We must ask who will be willing to pursue a new direction in the right way. I have thought much about this, and I have chosen to support Lara Stone for the Select Board on April 7.

I have known Lara Stone for several years, and I have come to see that Lara has the skills that it takes to lead us in a new direction in a constructive manner. Lara is not afraid to ask tough questions or to ask why we cannot do something differently. She will listen carefully and respectfully to all sides of an issue, but she ultimately will make decisions based on what is best for our town and our community.

Lara has been and continues to be a strong proponent of all those who live in Dartmouth, young and old, north and south. She has put in countless hours meeting and listening to people in town and has a strong sense that people are hungry for positive change in our town government.

Lara is committed to moving us in the right direction, and at the same time she recognizes achieving a new direction depends on how we go about pursuing it. That is why I will be voting for Lara Stone on April 7 and why I encourage Dartmouth voters to do the same.